BY GREG OLWELLBass god Billy Sheehan talks about recordingMr. Big’s new album, What If ..., his multi-amp rig,and why it’s important to master your instrumentinside and out. Plus! Paul Gilbert chimes in onthe new LP’s tones and harmonies.

Mr. Big’s Billy Sheehan may be the modern-day epitome of a rock “lead
bassist,” but he never forgets
that the bass’ primary role is
to put the “roll” in “rock ’n’
roll.” While it’s easy to focus
on the over-the-top aspects of
Sheehan’s playing, few bassists
can hold down a solid low-end
like he does. In fact, he’s quick

to emphasize that it’s his rock-solid foundation in the groove
that allows him to launch his
dazzling technique. He’s also a
straight-up gearhead with tons
of personal experience modifying instruments and designing
rigs to create his singular sound.

But Sheehan’s approachto bass extends beyond themechanics of playing—he’s abig proponent of knowing howto work on your instrumentwell enough to make it serveyour needs as a player. “Youhave to learn the instrument,learn the fundamentals—howto play it, how to tweak it, howto play strong, hard, in tune,and in time. You need to do allof those things up front, andthen you can learn the frosting.”The “frosting” would bethings like the two-handedtapping, chord work, and blaz-ing three-finger plucking thathe’s become famous for duringhis gigs with Mr. Big, DavidLee Roth, Niacin (featuringHammond B- 3 master JohnNovello and virtuoso drum-mer Dennis Chambers), andTalas. Sheehan’s trademark